Page 254 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles

Nature & History Florida State Parks Southeast John Pennekamp
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Coral Reef
The park was created to protect and preserve State Park
a portion of the only living coral reef in the Division of Recreation and Parks
continental United States. The park extends America’s first undersea park
three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
approximately 21 miles in length and is adjacent U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5 Anoosh Emtiaz
to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Key Largo, Florida 33037
(305) 451-1202 SM
The park is named for one of the early proponents
of the preservation of its reef, John D. Pennekamp. FloridaStateParks.org National Gold Medal Winner
Pennekamp was a Miami newspaper editor who
also helped establish Everglades National Park. Park Guidelines Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner”

The park contains a wide variety of tropical • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
vegetation, shorebirds and marine life. The coral • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees
reefs are among the most beautiful and diverse of
all living communities. Coral reefs are made of tiny may apply.
animals called polyps. Stony corals, such as star • The collection, destruction or disturbance of
coral and brain coral, secrete a limestone skeleton
around their bodies. These skeletons remain after plants, animals or park property is prohibited.
death and provide the foundation for new polyp • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
growth. Octocorals, such as sea fans and sea
plumes, are flexible and sway gracefully in the must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet
ocean current as they feed on plankton. and well behaved at all times.
• Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed
Sponges, shrimps, crabs, turtles, lobsters and in designated areas only. A Florida saltwater
hundreds of species of fish live among the corals. fishing license is required unless exempt by law.
These reefs occur only in shallow oceans having Snorkelers and scuba divers should always use
clear, warm waters. It took approximately 5,000 Diver-Down flags when in the water.
years for this coral reef to form. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station.
• For camping information, contact Reserve
At the reef, snorkelers delight in seeing many America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or
colorful tropical fish and corals. Anglers can fish for TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
a wide variety of species in diverse habitats. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing
equal access to all facilities and programs.
Touching or standing on corals may kill them Should you need assistance to enable your
and is therefore prohibited. Anglers will need a participation, please contact the ranger station.
saltwater fishing license. Spearfishing is prohibited.
Collection of tropical fish is not allowed. No lobster Alternate format
may be harvested from or within any available upon
coral formation. request at any
Florida state park.

FLORIDA

State Parks

Created on 7/14